There are hundreds of things to love about residing in the Peach State, including the fact that Georgia is quite an affordable place to live. Southern hospitality and natural beauty just add to the list of reasons to live in Georgia. When you consider the amazing quality of life, reasonable cost of living, excellent educational outlets and many attractions, there are quite a few great towns in which to settle.
Located in Fulton County, Alpharetta is just 26 miles from downtown Atlanta. Living so close to all that a big city has to offer yet still having a true suburban feel is what attracts many to Alpharetta. McKesson Corporation, a large, locally-based pharmaceutical company, is a magnet for those seeking work in the healthcare field here.
Alpharetta is also a great place to raise a family. There are annual festivals, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for large concerts plus the Big Creek Greenway for walkers and bikers. The city also boasts an excellent school system.
If you love history, nature, and living within a 30-min drive of Atlanta, you'll love living in Roswell. This suburban town is steeped in a history of cotton mills and Southern plantations. Residents enjoy visiting Vickery Creek Falls, featuring a man-made waterfall, the Roswell Mill, a quaint covered bridge and walking trails.
Plenty of parks dot the town, and the historic district has a variety of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Live theater and concert halls round out the cultural arts offerings in Roswell. Atlanta is nearby, but you may rarely need to venture into the city.
Macon is situated about 85 miles south of Atlanta. This is a city that's filled with charm and history. In fact, Macon lists more sites on the National Register of Historic Places than any other town in Georgia. History lovers are drawn to the Ocmulgee National Monument and the Hay House, an American castle.
The affordable cost of living and real estate prices are magnets for living in Macon. Three area hospitals provide many options for health care throughout this city.
Woodstock, Georgia is not the site of the famous 1969 rock festival, but it is one of the best places to live in Georgia. There is a lot of greenery here, with up to 20 different kinds of parks and fields available for public use. Old Rope Mill Park has rustic walking trails with beautiful scenery.
For camping, hunting and boating, there's nowhere quite as beautiful as Allatoona Lake on the Etowah River in Woodstock.
If cobblestoned squares, horse-drawn carriages, and pre-Civil War architecture suit your sensibilities, then Savannah may be just what you're seeking. Oozing Southern charm, coastal Savannah evokes fairy tale images of romance, history and loads of great food and shopping opportunities.
Forsythe Park is one of the country's most charming outdoor green spaces. The winters are mild, and the downtown is quite attractive.
This thriving community is just 14 miles from downtown Atlanta. When desired, you can drive into the larger city, take the MARTA transit system there or find everything you need right in Sandy Springs.
This town is host to top-rated public and private schools, including the prestigious Brandon Hall. Large corporations like IBM, Cisco Systems and United Parcel Service have their headquarters in Sandy Springs. You'll be near the Chattahoochee River and many other parks, enjoy weekend farmers' markets and dining out in the many fine area restaurants.
Even closer to downtown Atlanta than Sandy Springs is Marietta, Georgia. This bedroom community has so much going for it; you'll find nearly everything you need right in town. Some of the attractions for tourists and residents include:
The city of Flowery Branch has the feel of a small town that has lots of amenities. The Atlanta Falcons headquarters and training grounds are based here. You also have access to many of the recreational activities at Lake Lanier. The Hideaway Bay Marina is in protected waters where you can enjoy boating and fishing. The clean downtown with its historic homes makes it a pleasure to walk around this area.
Augusta is Georgia's second-largest metropolitan area. It's close to the South Carolina border and lies along the Savannah River. This town is most famous for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament, but there's a lot more than golf here to attract visitors and residents.
The warm weather plus a low cost of living are a big draw for retirees looking to relocate. Families flock to Augusta's suburbs (Evans, Martinez, and Grovetown) to raise their children and commute to Augusta's downtown for work or recreational activities, like walking along the Riverwalk or taking in a Sunday jazz concert.
With plenty of recreational activities and a quick drive to Georgia's largest shopping mall, Buford has a lot to offer. This Atlanta suburb has affordable family homes, good schools, and rich cultural amenities amid a rustic atmosphere.
Buford is located along Lake Lanier and Buford Dam Park, great spots for picnics, barbecues, and fishing.